Personal transportation is often essential because public transport is simply not regular and widespread enough. Most of us automatically assume we need a big, expensive, and energy-guzzling car to meet our travel needs but we should investigate other methods of transport too. If you live close to your workplace then a bicycle may be an option, but if your commute involves serious travel then you may wish to consider investing in a motorcycle or scooter.
Try a motorbike
Licenses
You can ride a moped (up to 50cc) without L plates and without taking the moped test in some situations. However in most cases, as a bare minimum, you will need to complete a compulsory basic training (CBT) course.
If you want to ride a motorbike or a moped over 50cc you will need to have passed a specific driving motorbike driving test. Exactly what you need to do depends on your age and how powerful your scooter or motorbike is. Apply for a provisional motorbike license, get some lessons, pass your test, and away you go. This might sound like a long process but if you already have a car license you will have a massive head start.
Motorbike Clothing
To ride safely and in the ‘variable’ UK weather you will need to get some decent motorbike gear. You of course need a new helmet to legally ride a motorbike. If buying for the first time you should go into a specialist shop and let them help you choose the right type of helmet and get a perfect fit. You also need good quality motorbike gloves and some specialist trousers and a good quality weatherproof jacket.
Financial Benefits
One of the most striking differences between traveling by car and motorcycle is the initial cost of your vehicle. Motorbikes and scooters come in a wide variety of models at different prices but in a cost comparison between a typical car and motorcycle, two wheels are much cheaper than four. A new Ford Fiesta retails at £16,385 before you choose any of the options. A Vespa Sprint scooter retails new at only £4,199.
Drivers can also save money on their insurance. It’s worth also considering taking an advanced motorcycling course as this will help reduce your premium and help you to travel in safety.
Because two-wheeled motor vehicles are so much lighter than cars they use a lot less fuel which means you have to pay for a lot less.
Time-Saving Benefits
Congestion on UK roads has seen typical daily commutes rise to record times. A motorbike is an excellent machine for reducing travel times. If you are on a scooter or motorbike you can simply ride past queuing cars, greatly reducing the time wasted during a commute. Many of our most congested roads allow motorcyclists to use the lanes that are reserved for coaches or carpool drivers significantly reducing your journey time.
Finding a parking space can be a real hassle and lots of people choose to leave home at incredibly early times each morning as it’s the only way they can guarantee finding a space. A motorbike is much easier to find space and most cities are providing lots of parking spaces specifically for two-wheeled vehicles.
Environmental Benefits
An alarming amount of car journeys in the UK involve only one traveler. The result of such inefficient journeys is the wasting of fuel and the increase in overall environmental damage from CO2 emissions. A typical motorcycle will deliver a 50% better mileage for the same amount of fuel, so over time you can generate significant savings and help reduce your CO2 footprint as well as saving a load of cash on fuel.
However, the regulations controlling dangerous emissions are not as stringent for motorbikes as they are for cars. As a result some powerful bikes that don’t have catalytic converters actually produce more dangerous particulates and gases than a modern car. So check the emissions carefully before choosing a bike to buy or rent.
Motorcycling Is Fun
Motorcycling is a hugely popular activity for good reason. It is great fun and can also be a social activity if you join an Association or riding group. On a sunny day, nothing can beat the freedom that a motorcycle journey can deliver. A quick and nimble machine can allow you to explore more comprehensively.
